WOHS Graduation Rates Rise for 4th Straight Year

Consistent focus and hard work by West Ottawa High School faculty to build a college-going culture is paying off in rising graduation rates across all subgroups of students. The Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) and Michigan Department of Education recently released graduation rate data for the Class of 2015 and West Ottawa High School was pleased to confirm that 95% of students in the Class of 2015 graduated on time in four years. The overall 4-year graduation rate for West Ottawa High School has increased from 80% in 2011 to 95% in 2015.

Even more pleasing was the graduation rate data released for subgroups of students. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced price lunches has remained near 47% for the past five years. However, these students at West Ottawa High School are graduating at a rate of 92%. This is compared to a statewide graduation rate of 67% for economically disadvantaged students.

“These accomplishments are definitely a team effort. Teachers collaborate with each other and their students to maximize learning,” said Todd Tulgestke, Principal of West Ottawa High School. “That collaboration is key to everyone’s success. This is a credit to our teachers, counselors, assistant principals, and support staff for carrying out the college-going culture message each and every day in the classroom and across our campus. Our students are rising to the challenge of becoming college, career, and life ready.”

“We are pleased with this continued progress, but not necessarily satisfied. We continue to analyze this data and look for ways to reach all of our students academically,” said Kent Henson, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. “This is cause for celebration though, no question.”

“This is a culmination of our vision. We talk about preparing all students to be college, career and life ready, and this feedback tells us that we’re on the road to making that happen. I appreciate everyone’s hard work in this effort,” said Tom Martin, Superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools.

The following summary shows some other highlights of the recent release of graduation rate data:

WOHS Class of 2015 graduation rate of Hispanic students: 94%

Statewide Average graduation rate of Hispanic students: 72%

WOHS Class of 2015 graduation rate of African American students: 84%

Statewide Average graduation rate of African American students: 67%

WOHS Class of 2015 graduation rate of Mixed Race students: 100%

Statewide Average graduation rate of Mixed Race students: 74%

WOHS Class of 2015 graduation rate of English Language Learners: 94%

Statewide Average graduation rate of English Language Learners: 72%

WOHS Class of 2015 graduation rate of Students with Disabilities: 78%

Statewide Average graduation rate of Students with Disabilities: 57%

WOHS Class of 2015 graduation rate of Migrant Students: 86%

Statewide Average graduation rate of Migrant Students: 66%

The following graphs show West Ottawa High School’s largest subgroups compared to the state average over the past 5 years.